Intervertebral Discectomy

Definition

Intervertebral discs are located between each vertebra in the spinal column.
When damaged, these discs can put pressure on nerves as they leave the spinal cord. An
intervertebral discectomy
is a back surgery that removes all or part of these discs. The procedure is most often done on lumbar discs (located in the lower back). It may also be done on cervical discs in the neck. There are two methods for this surgery:

Open—A large incision is made.

Microdiscectomy—Small incisions are made, and the doctor inserts tiny instruments through these incisions.

Reasons for Procedure

These discs normally serve as cushions between the bones. The discs can become damaged or dry with age. Injury can also cause a disc to bulge (or
herniate
). These changes can create pressure on nerves leaving the spine. This can cause pain, numbness, and weakness.

The best time to have this surgery is debatable. For some, having early surgery may not result in less pain or disability. In most cases, surgery is only done after other treatments have failed. Other treatments typically include:

Rest

Physical therapy

Medications

The goal of surgery is to eliminate pain, weakness, and numbness caused by the disc pressing on a nerve. You may feel relief right away, or it may take months for the nerve root to heal. In some cases, your symptoms may not improve. Your doctor will carefully evaluate you before surgery to determine what the best option is.

Possible Complications

Problems from the procedure are rare, but all procedures have some risk. Your doctor will review potential problems, like:

Bleeding

Infection

Nerve damage

Bladder or bowel incontinence

Leakage of spinal fluid

Another herniated disc (may happen within the first 3 months after surgery)

Before your procedure, talk to your doctor about ways to manage factors that may increase your risk of complications such as:

Anesthesia

Description of the Procedure

There are different types of surgical procedures, including:

Anterior Cervical Discectomy

A cut will be made in the skin on the left or right side of the neck. The doctor will go through a muscle to reach the spine. The disc material will be removed after the doctor uses an x-ray to confirm that it is the correct disc. A portion of the bone may be removed to give the nerve more space. A
bone graft
may be placed to fuse the vertebrae.

Posterior Cervical Discectomy

A cut will be made in the skin at the back of the neck. The muscles will be pushed aside. A small piece of bone will be removed to get to the disc space (
laminectomy
). Next, the doctor will gently push the nerve aside and remove the disc material.

Lumbar Discectomy

The doctor will make a 1-1½ inch cut in the skin on the lower back. The muscles will be moved out of the way. A small part of the bone may need to be removed to gain access to the nerve and disc. The disc or disc fragments will then be removed.

How Long Will It Take?

How Much Will It Hurt?

Anesthesia will prevent pain during surgery. Pain and discomfort after the procedure can be managed with medications.

Average Hospital Stay

This surgery is most commonly done in a hospital setting. It may be possible to go home on the same day of the surgery. If you have a cervical discectomy, you may have to stay in the hospital for a few days.

Post-procedure Care

During your stay, the hospital staff will take steps to reduce your chance of infection such as:

Washing their hands

Wearing gloves or masks

Keeping your incisions covered

There are also steps you can take to reduce your chances of infection such as:

Washing your hands often and reminding visitors and healthcare providers to do the same

Reminding your healthcare providers to wear gloves or masks

Not allowing others to touch your incisions

Bending, lifting, or twisting may be limited for 6 weeks.

You will work with a physical therapist to stretch and strengthen your muscles. This will help to decrease the risk of future back problems.

Call Your Doctor

It is important for you to monitor your recovery after you leave the hospital. Alert your doctor to any problems right away. If any of the following occur, call your doctor:

Signs of infection, including fever and chills

Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or any discharge from the incision site

Numbness or tingling

Pain that you cannot control with the medicines you have been given

Pain, burning, urgency or frequency of urination, or bleeding in the urine

Cough, shortness of breath or chest pain

Loss of bladder or bowel control

If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.